Secondary parkinsonism


Definition

Secondary parkinsonism is when symptoms similar to Parkinson disease are caused by certain medicines, a different nervous system disorder, or another illness.

Parkinsonism refers to any condition that involves the types of movement problems seen in Parkinson disease. These problems include tremors, slow movement, and stiffness of the arms and legs.

Alternative Names

Parkinsonism - secondary; Atypical Parkinson disease

Causes

This EM Should be displayed at the top of the article section "Causes"

Secondary parkinsonism may be caused by health problems, including:

Other causes of secondary parkinsonism include:

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

Confusion and memory loss may be likely in secondary parkinsonism. This is because many diseases that cause secondary parkinsonism also lead to dementia.

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. Be aware that the symptoms may be hard to assess, particularly in older adults.

Examination may show:

Reflexes are usually normal.

Tests may be ordered to check for other problems that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment

If the condition is caused by a medicine, your provider may recommend changing or stopping the medicine.

Treating underlying conditions, such as stroke or infections, can reduce symptoms or prevent the condition from getting worse.

If symptoms make it hard to do everyday activities, your provider may recommend medicine. Medicines used to treat this condition can cause severe side effects. It is important to see your provider for check-ups. Secondary parkinsonism tends to be less responsive to medical therapy than Parkinson disease.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Unlike Parkinson disease, some types of secondary parkinsonism may stabilize or even improve if the underlying cause is treated. Some brain problems, such as Lewy body disease, are not reversible.

Possible Complications

This condition may lead to these problems:

Effects from loss of strength and mobility (debilitation):

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

Prevention

Treating conditions that cause secondary parkinsonism may decrease the risk.

People taking medicines that can cause secondary parkinsonism should be carefully monitored by their provider to prevent the condition from developing.

References

Fox SH, Katzenschlager R, Lim SY, et al; Movement Disorder Society Evidence-Based Medicine Committee. International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society evidence-based medicine review: update on treatments for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2018;33(8):1248-1266. PMID: 29570866 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29570866/.

Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 96.

Ostrem JL, Okun MS. Parkinsonism. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 378.

Pringsheim T, Day GS, Smith DB, et al. Guideline Subcommittee of the AAN. Dopaminergic Therapy for Motor Symptoms in Early Parkinson Disease Practice Guideline Summary: A Report of the AAN Guideline Subcommittee. Neurology. 2021 Nov 16;97(20):942-957. PMID: 34782410 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34782410/.

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